Jay Leno's Family Comedy Hour (1987) (TV)

Reminiscent of a "Tonight Show" test-drive for Jay including JC himself. Corny opening scene with Johnny passive-aggressively putting Jay in his proper place. It's supposed to be funny lest we forget the power of Mr. Carson; nothing was light or frivolous. IMHO he was setting the groundwork or foundation of an enterprise that was inevitably passing from one hand to another. And whomever got Johnny's scraps was going to more than earn them. After the opening credits we're introduced to the lovely cast including the late Bea Arthur, whom only recently passed as did the legendary Barbara Billingsley. On the day Mrs. B. passed we had dinner at "Billingsley's", their family-owned restaurant here in Los Angeles. RIP to both of these great ladies and also to one of my personal favorites; John Hancock. He was large, he was black and he was usually in charge. A great character actor, RIP big guy.

If you can forgive a little corniness there are some funny skits, unlike the live chit chat. The writing for the live segments is a fail but the skits are genuinely funny. Some of them at least. Worthy viewing.

Jay Leno's Family Comedy Hour (1987) (TV)

Cast: Bea Arthur, Corbin Bernsen, Barbara Billingsley, Brian Bonsall, Chao Li Chi, Don DeFore, Richard Dysart, John Hancock, Florence Henderson, Jay Leno, Roger Nolan, Susan Ruttan

Triumph of the Heart (1991) TV Movie

As you can see from the title screen the title of this movie is simply, "Triumph of the Heart", not "A Triumph of the Heart: The Ricky Bell Story", as listed elsewhere.

In my opinion this is one of the finer TV movies of this genre. The portrayal of both young men is top-notch. If you take the time to google both names, Ricky and Ryan's, you see some interesting info. Good job Mario.

Triumph of the Heart (1991) TV Movie
Cast: Lane R. Davis, Lynn Whitfield, Mario Van Peebles, Susan Ruttan

Under the Influence (1986) TV Movie

A long-time alcoholic's drinking begins to have a devastating effect not only on his personal life but on his family as well. Excellent movie on multiple levels, works as entertainment and as a lesson. Perfect casting, appropriate acting and believable writing make this a keeper. The story is told through the eyes of the older brother, now a stand-up comedian. Basically, the whole movie is a recounting via his stage act. Interesting device, Provenza pulls it off wonderfully.

Under the Influence (1986) TV Movie
Cast: Andy Griffith, Eve Smith, Joyce Van Patten, Keanu Reeves, Paul Provenza, Season Hubley, Susan Ruttan, William Schallert

Take My Daughters, Please (1988) TV Movie

A woman with four single daughters sets out to get them married.










Take My Daughters, Please (1988) TV Movie
Cast: Audra Lindley, Deidre Hall, Kim Delaney, Rue McClanahan, Sam McMurray, Stepfanie Kramer, Susan Ruttan

Packin' It In (1983) TV Movie

In quest of a wholesome place to live: at first the Webbers laugh at their neighbors when they leave L.A. for the mountains of Oregon. But when they recognize the same symptoms in their family that made the neighbors leave, they follow them. However their new domicile is a bit more apart from the civilization than expected. Even then it's not a paradise: their neighbors are weird, the next shop is miles away and their house lacks even the most basic comfort. How long will it take until they're packin' it in again?

Packin' It In (1983) TV Movie

Cast: Andrea Marcovicci, Molly Ringwald, Paula Prentiss, Richard Benjamin, Sam Whipple, Susan Ruttan, Tony Roberts

Do You Remember Love (1985) TV Movie

Given the credibility of the story and the sincerity of the players, it is surprising to learn that the made-for-TV "Do You Remember Love?" is not based on a true story. Joanne Woodward stars as a brilliant college professor and poet, struck down in her prime by Alzheimer's disease. Her husband Richard Kiley tries to cope, but is ultimately disheartened by Woodward's degenerating condition. Even sadder is the fact that Woodward, in her cogent moments, is fully aware that she is losing her ability to function. Written by Vickie Patek, this potentially depressing drama has a logically conceived uplifting finale. "Do You Remember Love?" was first telecast May 21, 1985. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Do You Remember Love (1985) TV Movie

Cast: Geraldine Fitzgerald, Joanne Woodward, Richard Kiley, Ron Rifkin, Susan Ruttan